In 2003, a collaborative research program called the Human Genome Project completed its draft of the human genome. This draft contains the “code of life”—the sequence of all 6 billion chemical bases that make up the 20,000 or so genes inside each human cell. Genes influence many of our physical traits, provide instructions for our bodies’ functions, and, when they contain mutations, may cause diseases. Since this code was published, scientists have been working to understand what specific genes do, how they relate to illnesses, and how such illnesses can be treated.

In this lesson, you’ll meet scientists, doctors, patients, and ethicists. You’ll learn about several genetic technologies developed to test for and treat diseases related to mutations in our DNA. You’ll also hear about the ethical dilemmas surrounding these technologies—including who should have access to your genetic information. You’ll then complete a final assignment that asks you to consider the potential benefits and responsibilities of using genetic technologies.